Bush Eager to Make A 'Very Important Selection'

Bush Eager to Make A 'Very Important Selection'

Susan Jones, CNSNews.com
Wednesday, July 6, 2005

At a press conference in Denmark Wednesday morning (shortly after 4 a.m. EDT), President Bush took two questions about his upcoming U.S. Supreme Court nomination.

"Here I am trying to talk to the people of Denmark, and you ask me about local news. That's fine," Bush said to one reporter.

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In response to the questions, Bush defended his good friend, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales; he said no, he does not have a "litmus test" for his Supreme Court nominee; and he said he wants his nominee "confirmed and sitting" by the time the Supreme Court begins its new term in October.

"I'll pick people who one, can do the job; people who are honest, people who are bright; and people who will strictly interpret the Constitution and not use the bench to legislate from. That's what I campaigned on, and that's what I'm going to do."

President Bush, describing Attorney General Alberto Gonzales as a longtime friend, said he doesn't like it when his friends are criticized.

"I'm loyal to my friends. And all of a sudden this fella, who is a good public servant and a really fine person is under fire. And so you ask do I like it? No, I do not like it at all."

President Bush said he looks forward to making a "very important selection," and he said he will take his time and be thorough in his investigation.

He said his staff has been gathering information about various candidates and is still working on this today - not only "reaching out to the Senate," but also "spending time making sure that all the candidates...will be forward in a proper way."

President Bush urged the Senate to conduct itself in a way that brings dignity to the process.

Don't listen to the special interest groups, particularly those on the "extremes," Bush urged. He said some groups are trying to "exploit the situation" just to raise funds.

"The Senate needs to conduct themselves in a dignified way, and have a good, honest debate about the credentials of the person I put forward, no matter who he or she is; and then give the person an up-or-down vote. That's how the process ought to work."

President Bush called it an opportunity for "good public servants to exhibit a civil discourse on a very important manner."

Don't let the money-raising groups dictate the tone or the rhetoric, he said.

President Bush said he read about prospective candidates on the flight to Europe. "As you know, I'm not a lawyer - thankfully," he joked. "I will let my legal experts deal with the ramifications of legal opinions," he said.

Bush said he will try to "assess their character, their interests." He said he's looking forward to the review process and the interview process.

"When I first get back, I will consult with members of the Senate" - something his staff is doing now, Bush said - "and then I'll begin the interview process."

Editor's note:
Rush Limbaugh Says the War for the Court Has Begun! Find Out Details – Click Here Now